Dáil Éireann Debate, Wednesday - 26 July 2017
1586. Deputy Willie O'Dea asked the Minister for Social Protection the number of persons who have been issued a public services card in each year since first introduced; the waiting time to issue a public services card; and if she will make a statement on the matter. [36595/17]
Amharc ar fhreagraMy Department commenced issuing Public Services Cards (PSC) on a phased basis from October 2011. Since then it has issued over 2.71 million PSCs. A breakdown of the number of PSCs issued per annum is -
PSCs issued from 2012 to 2017 (to date)
|
Year |
2011 |
2012 |
2013 |
2014 |
2015 |
2016 |
2017(to date 21/7/17) |
|
PSCs issued |
4,001 |
79,773 |
355,721 |
689,627 |
627,943 |
610,519 |
347,537 |
|
Running total |
4,001 |
83,774 |
435,494 |
1,125,121 |
1,753,064 |
2,363,583 |
2,711,120 |
Over 2.3 million people have now been registered for a PSC. The difference in figures of approximately 400,000 represents PSCs that have been revoked for a variety of reasons including expiry, loss, theft, damage, change in Free Travel entitlement, etc.
Applying for a PSC is a relatively easy process. It typically takes about 10-15 minutes for a person to register and authenticate their identity to get a PSC. There are 100 registration locations nationwide. For the majority of these a person can book an appointment online within 24 hours or, providing they have the relevant documentation, they can be dealt with on a walk-in basis. It takes 5-7 working days for a person to receive their PSC in the post once they complete the registration process. Full details on the PSC are available on the Department’s website at http://www.welfare.ie/en/Pages/Public-Services-Card_holder.aspx
I hope this clarifies the matter for the Deputy.
